The mid-2000s were a treasure trove for anime fans, with shows like “Naruto” and “One Piece” dominating the airwaves. Amidst these giants, another show stood its ground – the visually entrancing “D.Gray-man”. But as years went by, its luminance dwindled, leaving fans and critics asking: What happened?
The Early Glory of D.Gray-man
Launched in 2006, “D.Gray-man”, based on Katsura Hoshino’s manga, rapidly climbed the popularity ladder. Echoing the success of its shonen peers, the series crossed the 100-episode mark, a testament to its gripping narrative and massive fan base. At its core, it was a tale set in the 19th century, revolving around exorcists from The Black Order. Their mission? To combat the malevolent Noah Family using mystical weapons infused with “Innocence”.
Allen Walker, the teenage protagonist, became a household name as he battled his internal dark powers and external foes. Backing the anime’s success was Hoshino’s awe-inspiring Gothic art style. By 2023, the manga had sold over 25 million copies globally, even finding a spot on the New York Times Bestsellers list.
The Anime’s Abrupt Halt
Despite the high viewership and increasing manga chapters, the D.Gray-man anime made an unexpected exit. Fans were left with a cliffhanger as Allen renewed his vow to conquer the Earl of the Millennium. But why did such a cherished series halt in its tracks?
The common consensus among fans attributes the show’s demise to its pacing. In a bid to allow Hoshino to release more manga chapters, the anime integrated several filler storylines. This tactic, while popular in the 2000s, backfired for D.Gray-man, as some of these fillers clashed with the manga’s pivotal events.
Adding to the series’ woes was Hoshino’s recurring health issues, which resulted in multiple hiatuses for the manga. The intermittent release of new chapters certainly didn’t help the anime’s cause.
Say something nice about D.Gray-man Hallow pic.twitter.com/PaZhJCYpw8
— PlaiD.Gray-man 🍡🍁 (@plaidgrayman) September 14, 2023
The Unfulfilled Promise of D.Gray-man Hallow
In 2016, fans were treated to a comeback: “D.Gray-man Hallow”. Instead of a fresh start, this sequel resumed the original narrative, offering a truer representation of the manga. However, it fell into a trap of its own making.
D.Gray-man Hallow faced criticism for its hasty pace, cramming nearly 10 manga chapters into each of its 13 episodes. This rushed storytelling didn’t sit well with fans or Hoshino herself, leading her to distance from this sequel. Consequently, the DVD releases for Hallow were halted due to “various reasons”.
Meanwhile, the D.Gray-man manga showed no signs of slowing down. In 2021, a major story point was introduced, fueling speculation about its future direction. By August 2023, the manga unveiled its 248th chapter, with Hoshino participating in fan events later that year.
What Lies Ahead for D.Gray-man?
Despite the resurgence of older animes, such as the “Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War”, the prospects of a D.Gray-man revival seem bleak. The strenuous production, combined with Hoshino’s preference for her manga, makes a continuation unlikely. TMS Entertainment, too, has shifted its focus to acclaimed adaptations like “Dr. Stone” and “Rent-a-Girlfriend”.
However, hope is a strange thing. Perhaps the best way forward is a complete reboot of D.Gray-man, much like “Shaman King” in 2021. A fresh start, truer to the manga, devoid of excessive fillers, and released at a relaxed pace might be the lifeline this beloved series needs. Whether this will materialize is uncertain. But for now, D.Gray-man remains a gem in the annals of anime history, waiting for its moment to shine once again.
